James Taylor: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2000

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/james-taylor/bio/

Official Site: http://www.jamestaylor.com/

In 1966, he spent 9 months in McLean Hospital suffering from depression. Taylor later admitted the experience was a “life saver.” He checked himself out and moved to New York to start a band. Unfortunately, he began using heroin.  The experience proved an education in music and drugs. He struggled with drugs and decided to go solo.

In 1969, he signed with Warner Brothers.

Carolina in My Mind (1969): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXmgkvIgc0w

His breakthrough:

Fire and Rain (1970): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSqT_PeiV0U

Sweet Baby James (1970): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2EZUw2mvjs

In 1971, he earned a cover story in Time Magazine.

You’ve Got a Friend (1971): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BePDQ5iFi88

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (1972): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C9w9qGQixw

Mockingbird w/Carly Simon (1974): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeOqD3uMIRs

How Sweet It Is (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mp0rBHhXMs

Shower the People (1976): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2_0x6TVUJ0

In 1977, he signed with Columbia Records.

Handy Man (1977): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGdWA93e-Ls

Your Smiling Face (1977): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fsfod891J0

Devoted To You w/ Carly Simon (1978): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUb9Pcrndso

Up on the Roof (1979): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJBm5TUHf0s

Taylor encountered Mark David Chapman, "The guy had sort of pinned me to the wall and was glistening with maniacal sweat and talking some freak speak about what he was going to do and his stuff with how John was interested, and he was going to get in touch with John Lennon. And it was surreal to actually have contact with the guy 24 hours before he shot John."

Her Town Too (1981): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEXWECGhVoA

Everyday (1985): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdA4RrYX4Jk

Never Die Young (1988): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rlN-e3Y_8s

Little More Time With You (1997): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYdxUwYxdNs

Sailing to Philadelphia w/Mark Knopfler (2001):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnCK2LgeIvM

On the Fourth of July (2002): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe-E921WhSg

It’s Growing (2008): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mQCO249-iE

In My Life (Oscars 2010): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ9tJMIQaVI

At the Obama Inaugural (2013): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwbqD3btLiY